BENITEZ
DROPS REDS HINT
 Valencia
coach Rafael Benitez seems ready to leave Spain to become the next
manager of Liverpool, and has revealed that the club have been in
touch with his agent.
The man who guided Valencia to a Spanish League and UEFA Cup double
this year played down speculation linking him with a move to Anfield
yesterday, but his latest comments suggest he is keen to succeed
Gerard Houllier at the Reds' helm.
"Liverpool is one of those clubs that any coach always dreams
about being able to manage," Benitez is quoted as saying in
the Daily Star.
"I have been at Anfield several times as a rival coach and
the atmosphere is wonderful.
"They have spoken to my agent Manuel Garcia Quilun to find
out more about my situation.
"I am happy in Valencia and I would only leave the club for
a great European side and Liverpool are one of those."
Valencia are reportedly ready to offer their coach a two-year extension
to his current contract in a bid to keep him at the Mestalla Stadium,
but Benitez appears to be keeping his options open.
"I have one year on my contract remaining. Everyone knows
I think Valencia is a good place to live," he said.
"When a team, coach and players win as we have in Valencia,
it is inevitable other clubs focus on them and show a certain interest.
"We are in the phase of listening at the moment and that's
why I have an agent."
But the ambitious boss added: "I want to have a team that
can continue to battle to win titles. What I want to do at the moment
is have a rest and nothing else."
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